Harry and Blanche Posen Memorial Lecture: War and Peace in the Middle East 2024
Monday, June 10, 11:30 am
While the moves in the war are fluid and the picture is unclear, it is not too early to ask the key questions as to why the war broke out, how it can possibly end in the near future and what are the obstacles on the road to a feasible exit from the present stalemate. In response to these questions, this lecture will explore the possibilities of a contemplated new regional architecture in the Middle East.
Depending on alternative endings and outcomes of the war in Gaza, new geo-political alignments are contemplated in the region by both key regional actors and the global powers involved. The first stage would be a set of steps to stabilize the situation in Gaza, creating a new, post-Hamas order there. The second stage would be a new military balance between Israel and the Hezbollah. The third stage would be a new relationship between Israel and key Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia. All this depends on a number of evolving factors, such as the dynamics of the elections in the US, the military situation on the ground, the set of political changes anticipated in Israel, and the struggle for the narrative of the war in the region and beyond.
Special thanks to the Posen, Spiegel and Cohen families for making this annual event possible.
Gabriel Ben-Dor is Professor of Political Science and Director of National Security Studies, University of Haifa and is one of the foremost thinkers on Israel in the current political moment. He has devoted his academic career to the study of ethnic politics, minorities in the Middle East, the role of the military in politics, political violence, conflicts and their resolution, strategy, and national security. He has taught in these fields and organized various study programs and research centers and institutes. He served as Rector at the University of Haifa and served as a member of the Council for Higher Education in Israel. He has been our guest at Holy Blossom’s Harry and Blanche Posen Memorial Lectures for many years and is also a popular lecturer in Holy Blossom’s “Israel Dialogues” series.
